CeBIT 2014: Tarox Craftab 8.3″ – A Ruggedized, Industrial Tablet

While perusing the very expansive halls of CeBIT 2014 this week, we came across an 8.3″ tablet device from Tarox, a German vendor of business and industrial-class PC systems and devices. The Tarox Craftab 8.3″ runs Microsoft Windows 8.1 on a Bay Trail architecture quad-core Intel Atom processor, features an impressive looking Full HD display and will available with a very attractive docking station.

The Tarox Craftab will be available in May with a 4G capable model costing in the 1,199 Euros and non-4G costing you 1,099 Euros. These are more expensive price points than we generally see in consumer markets where competing 8 inch Windows 8 tablets can be acquired for under $400. Tarox is not aiming the Craftab at consumers however, squarely targeting industrial professionals and business people who insist on having a more ruggedized, pro standard device.

Interesting to note how Tarox is spying the area between traditional industrial devices which cost upward of 2,00 Euro, and high-end consumer Windows tablets. Tarox is highlighting certain specs and features to prove their point. So basically, you are still getting industrial ‘rugged’ specs like the replaceable battery, dust and water resistance, plus glove and pen screen navigation, but in a more lightweight and elegant device that also costs less than the heavier (1000g +) industrial tablets of the past.

The docking station also looks to be a great addition, and one that will be popular with professionals. Modern corporate operations would prefer to give employees one main device that has the flexibility to perform in different environments. This not only reduces costs, but also means that data protection and collation is easier to implement.

The dock is in many ways the best answer to achieving a one device-per-employee eco-system. It allows for a full desktop experience at your desk with an additional HD resolution, HDMI-connected monitor plus a keyboard and mouse, all connected to a fast hardwired network, while the tablet allows employees the freedom to go on-site more easily. The Intel Atom processor platform is also at home with the desktop experience on Windows, arguably more so than most SoCs available at this time, while Windows is still heavily favored in business and industrial environments.

Overall the Tarox Craftab 8.3″ is an exceptional looking Windows 8.1 device. It comes with a substantial price tab, but also points to the future of business and industrial device design, where the ‘professional’ requires something beyond what a consumer device can provide in terms of features and build quality.